Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon Won’t Be Annexed by Israel, Resistance Is Our Shield
Resistance leader denounces U.S. pressure, affirms weapons are Lebanon’s strength, and urges national unity in the face of aggression and occupation
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Secretary-General of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon (Hezbollah), His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a forceful and unwavering speech on the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Commander Fouad Shokor (Sayyed Mohsen).
In his address, Sheikh Qassem categorically rejected any attempt to bring Lebanon under Israeli control or influence, stressing that the Resistance would never allow the country to be subdued or politically held hostage.
In a powerful moment of the speech, Sheikh Qassem declared:
"I'll tell you from the end, so I don't torture you, and we don't get tortured, and no one analyzes left and right. We will not accept that Lebanon be annexed to Israel.
By God, even if the whole world comes together from beginning to end, by God, even if we all die from first to last, by God, if we are killed and not one of us remains — Israel will not be able to defeat us.
Israel will not be able to take Lebanon hostage as long as we have a living breath, and as long as we say, 'There is no god but Allah,' and as long as we believe that the right must be protected and the blood of the martyrs must be avenged."
Unified Lebanese Leadership Resists U.S. Pressure
Sheikh Qassem revealed that U.S. envoy Tom Barrack arrived in Lebanon with threats and coercive rhetoric, including suggestions to annex Lebanon to Syria and escalate hostilities.
However, he was “surprised by a unified Lebanese national stance” as the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament jointly demanded an end to Israeli aggression before discussing any political concessions.
According to Qassem, Lebanon's leadership made it clear they are committed to rebuilding the country and will not surrender the nation's source of strength—its Resistance. “The Americans seek to strip that strength for Israel’s benefit, falsely claiming they want to help,” he said.
Disarming Hezbollah Is a Gift to Israel
The Secretary-General emphasized that calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament are driven not by concern for Lebanon’s stability but by efforts to benefit Israel.
“The United States wants Hezbollah’s disarmament for Israel’s benefit, not to maintain Lebanon’s security,” he stated. He added that the Resistance has always been open to discussing the integration of its weapons into a national defense strategy.
He warned that surrendering the weapons of the Resistance would pave the way for further Israeli expansion. “As long as Hezbollah exists, Lebanon will never be allowed to fall under foreign domination or be held politically captive,” he asserted.
Ceasefire Agreement Favors Israeli Security
Addressing the recent ceasefire, Sheikh Qassem acknowledged that while both sides gained something from the deal, it disproportionately benefited Israeli security, particularly for northern settlements. Meanwhile, Lebanon continues to endure assassinations, drone strikes, and targeted attacks on infrastructure.
He cautioned that Israel is not content with its current occupation of five Lebanese border points and is waiting for the Resistance to disarm before expanding its settlements and influence.
Weapons of Resistance: A Shield, Not a Threat
Sheikh Qassem strongly reaffirmed that Hezbollah’s weapons are a shield for Lebanon, not a threat to the state. “The Resistance has provided the state with everything that could strengthen it,” he said. “Does the state have the right to say it cannot defend its people, then demand we hand over our weapons only for them to be destroyed by Israel?”
He reiterated that the matter of arms is an internal issue and not subject to foreign dictation. “You stop the aggression, ground the warplanes, return the captives, and let Israel withdraw from occupied territories—then we’ll give you the best possible dialogue and the most constructive response.”
Reconstruction Blocked by U.S., Must Be Lebanese-Led
The Secretary-General stressed the Lebanese government must lead national reconstruction efforts, regardless of U.S. interference or pressure on Arab states to withhold aid.
He urged the government to explore all funding options, including reallocating the national budget. “Reconstruction stimulates economic growth and benefits the country long-term,” he said.
He further called for unity among the Lebanese people, encouraging them to adopt a collective national motto: “Let us drive Israel out through our solidarity and rebuild our homeland together hand in hand.”
Lebanon Faces Existential Threats
Qassem warned that Israel, ISIS, and the United States, under the umbrella of the so-called "New Middle East," collectively pose an existential threat to Lebanon.
He reminded the public that Hezbollah emerged to compensate for the army’s limitations and that the foundational "army, people, and Resistance" triad has proven essential for national sovereignty.
Dual Path: Liberation and State-Building
He explained that Hezbollah operates on two fronts: liberating occupied territories and building a sovereign state through authentic popular representation. “We do not prioritize one over the other; both sovereignty and empowerment must progress hand in hand.”
He also stated that Hezbollah remains fully engaged across political, social, and military domains, and this active presence is precisely why Israel continues to breach ceasefire terms—because the Resistance remains undefeated.
In conclusion, Sheikh Qassem described Lebanon as standing at a historic crossroads: one path leads to sovereignty, independence, and liberation, while the other leads to continued foreign control and occupation. Hezbollah’s position, he stated unequivocally, is “with sovereignty, independence, and liberation.”
The War on Gaza: A Global Humanitarian Crisis
Turning to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Sheikh Qassem condemned both Israel and the United States for committing daily atrocities. “This is not only a Palestinian cause—it concerns all of humanity,” he said, urging the international community to confront Israeli tyranny.
Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to Commander Fouad Shokor, highlighting his foundational role in forming a ten-man cell called the “Covenant Unit” before 1982, which pledged to resist Israeli occupation. Shokor later founded Hezbollah’s naval unit and served as military chief of staff, working closely with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah until his martyrdom.
He also honored the late Ismail Haniyeh, commending his efforts to elevate the Palestinian cause on the world stage, and saluted Georges Abdallah, the Lebanese revolutionary who has refused to abandon his ideals after 41 years of imprisonment in France, calling him a living embodiment of the Resistance’s dignity and steadfastness. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen